This statement was made at the APM North-Central Town Hall Meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he addressed party candidates and strategized for a collaborative approach to governance.

During the meeting, Makinde outlined his vision for a new administration, emphasizing the introduction of a revised security architecture, educational reforms, and economic rebuilding through analytical methods. He highlighted that a reset could also affect Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, drawing parallels to a previous head of state’s brief but impactful term that established democratic governance. He affirmed his commitment to lead a transitional government of national unity aimed at fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.

Critically, Makinde scrutinized the federal government’s methods for addressing insecurity, particularly in the North-Central zone. He noted a lack of clarity in budgetary provisions for additional military divisions proposed to bolster security. Reflecting on the state of insecurity, he stressed the necessity for strategic planning and funding to resolve these issues effectively.

Additionally, Makinde discussed the financial challenges facing Oyo State, revealing a regression in the state’s financial independence from federal allocations since his assumption of office in 2019. He illustrated the economic impact of removing subsidies, which contributed to rising dependence on federal funds, indicating a return to the previous reliance levels of over 80 percent. He criticized the current economic policies as misguided, referring to them as “voodoo economics.” Overall, his statements reflect a deep concern for governance, security, and economic integrity in Nigeria.